Netravathi Riverfront Project Progress Stalls Amid Labor Shortages and Legal Scrutiny

The development of the Netravathi Riverfront Promenade in Mangaluru is progressing at a significantly slow pace, according to recent reports. Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL), the executing agency, faces delays primarily due to laborers returning to West Bengal and Tamil Nadu for elections, causing a temporary halt in construction. The project, spanning 2.1 km between the Netravathi railway bridge and Bolara seaface, includes amenities such as walkways, watch towers, and parks. While a portion of the park is already open to the public, MSCL officials aim to complete the remaining work, excluding a 400-meter disputed land section, by the end of May. The project has also faced legal challenges; the National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently disposed of applications against it but directed MSCL to strictly adhere to Coastal Regulation Zone notifications. The tribunal criticized the agency for dumping debris on the riverbank and mandated that new structures align with pre-1991 constructions. Despite these hurdles and ongoing scrutiny from environmental activists, citizens continue to frequent the developed sections of the riverfront.